You get the compression releases with the 103. Bottom line it is a better platform for performance mods. Rest of the motor is the same other than displacement. I'm happy with my stage 1, 96 though. At some point you have to stop or turn, I'll catch you then.

 

No disrespect but I find this comment hilarious. These things are the biggest dogs I have ever ridden. Is it possible you have nothing to compare it to? Now my Yamaha Roadliner would break your neck. Right at 100 hp stock. But my 11 Limited is at best a whipped pup. I see lots of upgrades in the future. Don't get me wrong it has enough power to get you down the road and I'm sure a stage 1 with a cam upgrade will really wake it up.

 

My 2008 Stratoliner was strong as you said,(same engine/bike as a Roadliner), but my 2006 Vulcan 2000 Classic LT was stronger.

 

No comparison needed, KCFLHTK. It does what it does. IMHO, it does a good job of it, too.

 

Kinda thought the same thing when I read that one. Obviously has never ridden a Yamaha YZF-R1. No way will these things "pull right out from under you."

 

Hi, I'm may sound a bit different here, I liked the 1450, great lump but I was a bit disappointed with 96" in my first SG, I always thought it sounded valvey if that makes sense and the motor didnt feel as responsive as my 1450 even after I got it breathing better, to be frank maybe I was expecting great things but other than the much improved handling I felt screwed in having paid the cash......now onto the 103"......it is the best I have ridden. Take one for a test ride is best advice, I would be really surprised if you were not impressed. Even in stock form (as I have kept mine for the time being) it is great.
All the best,
R

 

I love the performance of the 103. You need to do a stage 1 to really appreciate it and eliminate the heat issues.

 

Harley is no different than the car manufactures when it comes to marketing the newest and greatest, and separate you from your money. "My 103 is badder than your 96" so what, every year it will be something else. The Street Glide/Ultra is a cruiser and the 96" moves it down the road very well. If you want speed and handling there are other options. V-Rod, BMWs, the list is endless. You will drive yourself crazy I assure you if you're striving to buy the perfect bike or car and .... what is perfect ??? you will get endless answers to that question. I'm happy with my 96" SG, others are happy with their 103's and 110's. The new Jeep in the garage doesn't have a 5.7L Hemi in it either and it gets the job done.

 

I take my ride for what it is... a very good looking touring platform that is well suited for what it is intended for. Will it snap your neck? Of course not, but it has enough umph to make things mildly interesting. Instead of stuffing all kinds of $$ into it to make it fast and maybe cause new issues like non- reliability, I'd rather spend 3 or 4K on a 1st generation Yamaha Vmax and use that as my go fast bike..I'm a 90% cruiser/tourer and a 10% drag/go fast guy. The combo above will suit me just fine and save a ton of frustration (and $$$)

 

No you wont, cause when I'm leaving the stop sign, you're just getting there, and when I'm exiting the corner, you're entering.

And to the guy that said "it will pull right out from underneath him".......my last bike was an '08 CBR1000........These HD's are as slow as they come (in stock form)......but ya gotta love 'em.